8 starters, Loggia Restaurant in Coimbra, Portugal

The charming city of Coimbra in Central Portugal has plenty to keep you occupied for at least a day or two so you’re going to need some refreshment while you’re there. To help you find a suitable place to eat or drink, here are some of my favourite Coimbra restaurants, bars and cafés. 

Check out 25 things to do in Coimbra.

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Best restaurants in Coimbra

Sete Restaurante

Just behind the Santa Cruz church in the heart of the Baixa (downtown Coimbra) you’ll find Sete restaurant. The menu features firm Portuguese favourites served with flair and local produce. Add to that an extensive wine list and knowledgeable staff and you’ll find this is an ideal venue for discovering Portuguese flavours. My favourite starter is the poached egg and peas and we’re both partial to the lamb shank.

It gets busy so book a table. If you choose to eat early, you will be dining among other foreigners but Sete is understandably popular with locals too.

R. Martins de Carvalho 8. Tel:  239 060 065

Poached egg, peas and chouriço. Sete Restaurante, Coimbra
Poached egg, peas and chouriço. Sete Restaurante, Coimbra

Dux Taberna Urbana

Dux Taberna Urbana is becoming my favourite restaurant in Coimbra thanks to the range of delicious and well prepared petiscos, the Portuguese version of tapas. It’s very popular, especially at lunch time because of the ‘menu do dia’, so book a table or get there early.

Rua Dr. Manuel Rodrigues 59. Tel: 239 093 723. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Dux Taberna Urbana restaurant Coimbra
Dux Taberna Urbana restaurant Coimbra

Refeitro da Baixa Restaurant

Housed in a ceramics factory in the heart of downtown Coimbra, this is an atmpospheric restaurant that services delicious and well-presented Portuguese dishes with a modern twist.

I particularly enjoyed the duck and vegetables.

Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday. 2-4 Terreiro da Erva, Coimbra. Reservations possible via The Fork Tel: +351 239 820 080

Duck at Refeitro da Baixa Restaurant, Coimbra
Duck at Refeitro da Baixa Restaurant, Coimbra
Refeitro da Baixa Restaurante housed in a ceramics factory-min
Refeitro da Baixa Restaurante housed in a ceramics factory

Fangas Veg

If you need a break from traditional Portuguese fare, the cute and funky Fangas Veg may be just what you’re looking for, especially if you’re a vegetarian or vegan.

Fangas Veg in Coimbra used to be a grocery store but has been serving top quality Portuguese food for years and has now gone totaly vegetarian. Mix and match from tapas-sized portions to create a snack, a light meal or whatever you need. 

There aren’t many tables so you should book ahead for peak times and try to be patient.

Rua Fernandes Tomás, 45-49. Open for lunch Friday to Monday and dinner Thursday to Sunday. Tel: 934 093 636

Fangas Maior

If you’d rather have a meat option but enjoy the sharing dishes concept, you can enjoy the tasty delights of Fangas’ larger restaurant just a few doors away from the vegetarian restuarant.

Rua Fernandes Tomás, 29. Open for lunch and dinner Friday to Sunday and dinner only on Monday and Tuesday. Tel: 934 093 636

No Tacho

A tiny, unassuming restaurant just off Praça 8 de Maio in Coimbra’s Baixa, No Tacho is deservedly popular with locals so book ahead. The olive oil served with the home made bread is divine and everything is well presented. The wine list matches the quality of the food. 

Rua da Moeda 20. Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday and dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Tel: +351 911 925 961

Veal on aubergine puré at No Tacho restaurant, Coimbra, Portugal
Veal on aubergine puré at No Tacho restaurant

Restaurante Piscinas do Mondego

You’ll probably need a car or taxi to get to this restaurant, which is on the other side of the river. The complex offers a swimming pool, hence the name, and a smart restaurant with good food and wine.

Dori and I particularly like the cataplana, a fish and seafood dish that’s cooked and served in a copper dome. You usually need 2 people to be able to order a cataplana but Piscinas will do individual servings.

Rotunda das Lages, Sta. Clara, (behind the Exploratório) Parque Verde do Mondego. Tel: 239 441 591

Cataplana
Cataplana

Zé Manuel dos Ossos

This Coimbra restaurant is quite an experience and although it’s not one of my favourites, you might want to try it. The tiny dining area is lined with scraps of paper with notes of appreciation from guests. Rustic and hectic, there’s usually a queue for a table (no reservations possible) so get there early or be prepared to wait in line.

Ossos means bones so expect meaty dishes although bacalhau (cod) also features on the menu. The javali (wild boar) is tasty and very filling.

Beco do Forno 12 Coimbra. Tel: 239 823 790. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday.

Hearty Portuguese food at Zé Manuel dos Ossos restaurant in Coimbra
Hearty Portuguese food at Zé Manuel dos Ossos restaurant in Coimbra

A Taberna

Mike and I refer to A Taberna as the birthday restaurant as we’ve often been here to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries. The food is consistently good, especially the vitela (veal) and the hunk of crusty home made bread with requeijão (ricotta) cheese we usually have as a starter.

One of the best features of this restaurant is that the waiters bring a selection of six side dishes to the table for you to choose from, including three types of vegetable. You can have a second helping too.

Don’t be put off by the neon sign outside. The dining area is fairly small and cosy and is simply decorated. If you sit at the back, you’ll be able to see the kitchen and watch dishes going in and out of the wood-fired oven. It’s probably not the best place to sit in summer but in winter, you’ll be nice and toasty.

Wine lovers will also appreciate the fairly extensive list. The waiters have been here for years and can confidently recommend suitable pairings for you.

Rua Combatentes da Grande Guerra, 86. Open for lunch Tues-Sat and dinner Mon-Sat.

Veal with vegetables
Veal with vegetables, always a good choice at A Taberna.

Loggia

Loggia is actually housed within the Machado de Castro National Museum and has great views over the city. Lunchtimes are usually a buffet with two hot dishes whereas evening meals are a la carte or sometimes a set menu. It’s a good place for a coffee or sundowner.

When the museum is closed, access is around the side and up the steps.

Largo Dr. José Rodrigues. Tel: +351 239 853 076. Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm and until 10:30 for dinner Wednesday to Saturday.

Sunset from Loggia Restaurant, Coimbra
Sunset from Loggia Restaurant

Tascas, cafés and bars in Coimbra

Quebra o Galho

This cute tasca serves good wines and quality Portuguese petiscos at the base of Quebra Costas. There’s a strong chance of spontaneous fado performances.

Rua Quebra Costas 12. Open daily from 2 pm to 11.45 pm.

Meu Doce cake shop and café

You wouldn’t think that Coimbra had room for yet another cake shop but this one is a cut above the rest. With tables overlooking Praça 8 de Maio, you can sample the vast range of teas or other drinks and feast on colourful cakes.

Cake display at Meu Doce, Coimbra
Cake display at Meu Doce, Coimbra

Pastelaria Universidade

Conveniently located at the base of the monumental steps leading to Coimbra University, this busy bakery sells delicious cakes and bread as well as cheap but tasty meals in the café. There are usually a few daily specials to choose from and a menu of firm favourites.

Rua Castro Matoso 49. Open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.

Café Santa Cruz

The vaulted ceilings, dark leather and wood chairs and waiters in waistcoats lend Café Santa Cruz a medieval air. This is not surprising as it used to form part of the neighbouring Santa Cruz church and monastery and was built in the 16th century. They often have fado shows here and literary gatherings.

Choose from the outdoor terrace with views of the bustling shopping street, the elaborately carved entrance to Santa Cruz church and Praça 8 de Maio or the calm, cool interior.

Praça 8 de Maio, Coimbra. Open 8 am to midnight every day.

Café Santa Cruz, Coimbra
Café Santa Cruz, Coimbra

O Moinho Velho bakery and café

There’s another branch of Moinho Velho (Old Windmill) in the Baixa (R. João de Ruão 27) but the one in Solum, near the football stadium is the original and has more atmosphere. After church on Sunday mornings, there’s often a queue of well-dressed and freshly coiffed locals waiting for tables although it’s always busy.

As well as delicious cakes they have a wide selection of interesting breads in the bakery section, handmade chocolates and good quality savouries.

If you want something to take out, just be aware that each counter has a separate queue and your purchases, including anything you have from the café, will be added to your tab. When you’re done, queue again to pay at the till by the door.

For more help with that, check out: How to order like a local at restaurants and cafés in Portugal

Rua Jorge Anjinho, 7. Open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.

Coffee and cafe at Moinho Velho, Coimbra
Coffee and cafe at Moinho Velho, Coimbra

Galeria Santa Clara Bar

Cross over the Santa Clara bridge from downtown Coimbra and turn left just before Portugal dos Pequenitos to find one of my favourite places to go for a drink.

As the name suggests, Galeria functions as an arts space as well as a bar. It’s inside an old house so there are plenty of cute rooms, all decorated differently with original artwork on the walls. There’s even a workshop and craft shop downstairs plus a space for live bands and performances.

The outdoor terrace is a great place to admire the view of Coimbra from with various seating areas and options so have a wander before you pick your spot.

Rua António Augusto Gonçalves, 67. Open from 2 pm every day, check their Facebook page for more details and current events: Galeria Santa Clara Bar

Coimbra from the terrace of Galeria Santa Clara Bar
Coimbra from the terrace of Galeria Santa Clara Bar

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30 Comments

  1. I visit Coimbra quite often and always eat at Cervejaria Parque, on Av. Emidio Navarro opposite the park, just down from the Ibis Hotel. It’s popular with locals and the food is simple but delicious.

    1. Author

      Hi Colin, Thanks for the tip. I must have walked past it on several occasions but have never been in. It sounds as though I should, next time!

  2. I quite enjoyed Giro Churrasqueria when last in Coimbra but in general I was not overly impressed with other places we tried although with the exception of some bacalhau (salt cod) preparations, in my opinion it’s hard to find mediocre fare in Pt.

    1. Author

      Hi Frank, Thanks for the tip and comments. I’ve been to Giro and have friends who find that it’s reliably okay, if nothing to get overly excited about.

  3. Julie, thank you very much for A Taberna. That was more than a meal, that was a celebration of excelent food. The vitela was out of this world and “baby goat” eaten for the first time, very interesting.

    1. Author

      I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed A Taberna. I haven’t been for a while but now you’ve made my mouth water!

  4. Hi Julie

    We were in Coimbra the other day so decided to try one of your recommendations: A Taberna. It was as good as you said, perhaps a bit more than we would usually pay but the vitela was excellent. Not the nicest part of Coimbra but great if you’re doing mall shopping, we’ll certainly return if we’re in that part of town. Thanks for this!

    Jackie xxx

    1. Author

      Phew! I’m always very relieved to hear that recommendations worked out well. I used to live relatively near the restaurant so it was in handy walking distance. We don’t go very often these days simply because it’s tricky to fit a meal in Coimbra into our schedules. We’re always glad when we do get around to it though!

  5. Hi Julie,

    Loved your post!!
    The next time you’re in Coimbra, you have to try some portuguese tapas and wines at La Botiga…
    Its a really small and cool place to relax and have a good time!! And the food is delicious…

    1. Author

      It looks great, Daniela. It’s now on my list of places to check out.

  6. Hi Julie. So I noticed you like the Se Velha area a lot. The next time you are in Coimbra go to a restaurant called Dona Especiaria (you won’t see a sign at the door or a neon flashing), but trust me. It will blow your mind how special it is.
    Rua Dr Joaquim António de Aguiar, 43-53
    3000-231 Coimbra, Portugal
    922 040 194
    [email protected]

    (Se Velha)

    Have a nice 2014 😉

    1. Author

      Hi João Pedro, thanks for the tip. Having looked it up on google maps, you’re right about it being discreet. Definitely an ‘insider’ tip. I’ll bear it in mind for the future. I take it you serve typical Portuguese dishes. What’s your speciality?

      1. Well, i’m not an insider. Just a Coimbra student who stumbled upon this restaurant and fell in love with it immediately. I don’t want to say a lot so I don’t spoil the surprise. What I can say is there are not typical dishes. You eat what the Chef decides that day. There isn’t a menu. And, to me, the greatest think (besides the food which has an indescribable flavor) is that during the meal the Chef comes and sits with you and explains how the food is made and with what ingredients. It is an experience like I never had in other restaurants.

        1. Author

          Hi again. By insider, I mean someone who knows about a city as a local rather than a tourist or short-term visitor. It sounds like a very special place – one to try, definitely 🙂

  7. Hi, Julie! Try ” O Afonso ” where you can have a good tea or coffee , as well as traditional local covent cakes among many other good things: bread, ” salty ” cakes, etc. Not to mention the café itself, which is very charming, together with the waiters and owner.. It is In Rua General Humberto Delgado, very near to Avelar Brotero school, the same sid eof the street , just about 300 meters .Hope you like it. A very Happy New Year from Coimbra

    1. Author

      Thanks for the tip, Luísa. I’ll check it out next time I’m in the area. Happy New Year to you, too.

  8. Are you studing in Coimbra? I think i know you from my store.

  9. Hi, you must triedYou must try the pastry Pastelaria Arco Íris in downtown (baixa). They have the best chicken pie (empada de galinha) that I know. they also have the best eclair in town.

    1. Author

      Thanks for the tip. I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in the Baixa.

  10. Oh darn, I wish i’d known about O Moinho Velho before I went to Coimbra!

    1. Author

      Maybe next time, Sofie!

  11. We always have a meal at O Serenata (Rua da Sota) when we are in Coimbra. The food (traditional portuguese) has always been very good. I like the ambience too.

    1. Author

      Thanks, Sharyn. I don’t think I’ve eaten there but I know other people who like it so maybe it’s time to try it.

  12. Thank you for this post, we have been to Coimbra many times as only an hour away and we love the vibrancy of the city but we have always struggled to find somewhere good to eat and have come back feeling disappointed, cheated or plain hungry! I really look forward to trying out some of these fabulous places on or future visits.

    1. Author

      I hope one of these hits the spot for you then! We also like Piazza on Praca da Republica for pizzas and salads. They have a weekday lunch menu too.

      1. Author

        Sadly, Piazza is now closed 🙁 Loggia, the restaurant at Museu Macho de Castro do a great lunchtime meal deal and are also open for dinner although I haven’t eaten there at night.

  13. Hi Julie,
    have you tried out Museu Machado de Castro? The food is quite nice, and I love the view.

    1. Author

      I’ve been to the Museum several times but so far I’ve only had a drink in the café there. I keep meaning to try the restaurant, especially for the menu do dia – it looks quite good value and, as you say, the view is fabulous. Thanks for the tip.

  14. Thanks for another informative, human review. We are looking forward to relocating from the Algarve to somewhere near Penela.

    1. Author

      Thanks, Kevin. Good luck with your search. Penela is a lovely area so I’m sure you’ll find a great place. It’s better connected to motorways than where we live so getting to bigger cities when necessary should be easy enough even if you are living in the sticks.

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